A Warm Gift from the Heart

Kathy Riehle of Spillville regularly provides Winneshiek Medical Center with tied, fleece blankets in memory of her granddaughter, Harper. Kathy (right) is pictured with Kim Kuennen, a nurse in the WMC Emergency Department.

Each winter, Kathy Riehle of Spillville delivers a little warmth to Winneshiek Medical Center in the form of tied, fleece blankets.

In memory of her granddaughter, Harper who passed away in 2013, Kathy ties fleece blankets and donates them to the medical center for children receiving care in the Emergency, Surgery or Inpatient departments. The WMC Foundation attaches special messages to the blankets for the children.

“When I tie the blankets, I think of Harper,” says Kathy.

Kim Kuennen, a nurse in WMC’s Emergency department has presented Kathy’s blankets to children. “When a child needs emergency care, they generally arrive without their favorite blanket or toy. I have seen such joy on children’s faces when I walk in with a new blanket in bright colors and fun designs – just for them. The blankets are such a comfort to children in their time of need and we deeply appreciate Kathy’s gift.”

Holly Kanengieter, WMC Foundation Coordinator, says the medical center has a need year-round for small blankets for pediatric patients – a need that Kathy and other donors fill. The blankets are given to comfort children who may not be feeling well or need some extra reassurance while in the hospital. She said, “We look forward to our special delivery of blankets every year from Kathy. The blankets are made and given with such love in memory of Harper.”

For more information on how you can partner with the WMC Foundation and impact patient care at Winneshiek Medical Center, visit www.winmedical.org/giving or call the Foundation Office at 563-387-3129.